This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Meet up @ Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
- 11:00-12:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:55-13:45 @ Nijo Castle
- 14:15-14:45 Lunch @ Kamukura Gion Shijo Station Branch
- 14:50-15:55 @ Gion
- 16:00 Disband @ Shijo Hanamikoji
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at @ Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station and ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ Kamukura Gion Shijo Station Branch at 14:15.
Over the course of the day the route took in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 11:00, Nijo Castle at 12:55 and Gion at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); Randen Arashiyama Station to Randen Uzumasa-Tenjin Station by train (250JPY); Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station to Nijojo-mae Station by subway (260JPY); Nijojo-mae to Shijo-Keihan-mae by bus (230JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 980JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Guests from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were from North America and had visited Japan several times before, but this was their first time in Kyoto. Since one of the guests preferred a slower walking pace, I made sure to use elevators and escalators whenever possible for going up and down, and I was careful about our walking speed. One of the places the guests originally hoped to visit was the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but it happened to be closed that day, so I informed them and suggested going to Nijo Castle instead. After strolling through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, they bought one shaved ice at a shop along Nagatsuji Street and shared it together. Since they wanted ramen for lunch, I took them to a ramen restaurant near Gion-Shijo Station. After exploring Gion, we caught a taxi near Shijo Hanamikoji and parted ways on the spot.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Arashiyama Station～Randen Uzumasa-Tenjin Station | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station～Nijojo-mae Station | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Nijojo-mae～Shijo-Keihan-mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 980JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station at 10:00, and the tour finished at @ Shijo Hanamikoji at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nijo Castle and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 980JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaz is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.